When officers attended the sex offender's address, they arrested him, and when they did, Merritt told them that his second cousin had access to his machine.

Jeremy Merritt, 36, of Tyrells Close has been sent to prison (Image: Essex Police)

Police then searched the address and seized computers, phones and USB sticks where they found hundreds of indecent images and videos of boys. The collection was of varying categories, including category A, which is the most serious of abuse imagery.

Investigating officer DC Matthew Musson, of Basildon CID, said: “Merritt targeted a young, vulnerable boy and impersonated a girl who claimed to be a relative in order to entice him to send images.

“He was arrested and claimed to have been hacked before later blaming relatives. This did not account of the hundreds of sickening and disturbing images he had on his devices.

“I want to thank the boy and his family for their bravery in coming forward and reporting this behaviour. I hope today’s outcome offers them justice.”